Human Resources Compliance Specialist

Job description

The Human Resources (HR) Compliance Specialist is an exempt position responsible for ensuring the Firm’s compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws across all U.S. locations. This role proactively monitors legislative changes, audits internal practices, maintains compliant policies and documentation, and partners with HR leadership to mitigate risk. The HR Compliance Specialist serves as a subject matter resource on employment compliance matters and supports the consistent application of policies, handbooks, and regulatory requirements firmwide. Essential Duties Monitor and interpret federal, state, and local employment laws and regulatory updates across all jurisdictions in which the Firm operates. Assess impact of legislative changes and recommend updates to policies, handbooks, and procedures. Draft, update, and maintain the employee and attorney handbooks, including state-specific addenda. Ensure compliance with wage and hour laws, leave laws (FMLA, state equivalents), pay transparency, and posting requirements. Oversee I-9 and E-Verify compliance; conduct periodic internal audits to ensure accuracy and completion. Manage compliance-related documentation within Workday or HRIS, ensuring proper recordkeeping and retention practices. Coordinate required workplace postings across all offices (physical and electronic). Support responses to government audits, unemployment claims, EEOC charges, and other agency inquiries. Conduct periodic internal compliance audits and provide corrective action recommendations. Partner with HR Generalists and department leadership to ensure consistent application of policies. Develop and deliver compliance training to managers and staff as needed. Maintain confidentiality of sensitive employee information and investigations. Create compliance tracking tools and dashboards to monitor regulatory requirements and audit outcomes. Support annual reporting requirements (e.g., EEO-1, pay data reporting where applicable). Collaborate with payroll, benefits, and HRIS to ensure regulatory alignment in system processes. Reporting Relationship The HR Compliance Specialist reports directly to the Senior Manager of Human Resources. Subordinate staff: N/A Qualifications Knowledge/Experience 3–5+ years of progressive HR experience with a strong emphasis on compliance. Experience in a multi-state employer environment required; law firm or professional services experience required. Working knowledge of federal employment laws including FLSA, FMLA, ADA, Title VII, ADEA, USERRA, and related state laws. Experience managing handbook updates and jurisdictional addenda. Familiarity with HRIS systems (Workday preferred) and electronic recordkeeping requirements. Experience supporting audits, agency responses, and compliance investigations. Skills Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with ability to interpret complex regulatory language. Exceptional attention to detail and documentation accuracy. Ability to work independently and proactively identify compliance risks. Strong written communication skills, particularly policy drafting. Organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines. Sound judgment and discretion when handling confidential matters. Project management capability to track legislative updates and implementation timelines. Education Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field required; Juris Doctor degree with relevant experience may also be considered. PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification preferred. Physical Demands Must be able to move around the office up to 15% of the time to make copies, fax, file, etc. Remains stationary at least 85% of the time. This position operates computers and other office productivity machines (e.g., fax machine, copier, printer, etc.) on a regular basis. Occasionally required to move documents or files weighing up to 15 lbs. This position requires constant communication and exchange of information with the Firm attorneys, clients, and staff. This position must be able to inspect and observe information on a computer screen at least 85% of the time. Ability to lift up to 15 pounds occasionally. Working Conditions Professional office environment on a 4:1 in-office schedule. While we expect this position to be filled in our Dallas or Dallas-North offices, we may consider other office locations provided there is a business and experience fit. At Haynes and Boone, our people are the driving force behind our success. Because we value the role every individual plays in how we deliver exceptional legal services, we hire people who will contribute to our professional reputation, enhance client relationships and share in our success. Haynes and Boone’s Dallas-North office serves clients throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, nationally and internationally. Our office includes a large group of the firm's intellectual property and patent professionals, along with corporate, security, and technology law professionals. Our team members handle complex patent trial matters, including inter partes review proceedings before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and many of our attorneys are nationally recognized in this area of law. Our Dallas-North lawyers also counsel clients in patent strategy, patent prosecution and portfolio management, licensing, and litigation. Our lawyers are recognized in publications such as the 2021 edition of The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White, Inc.) We are committed to having an inclusive workforce that reflects our communities, and we seek highly motivated lawyers and staff who value our culture of respect and teamwork. The new Dallas-North office is located in a mixed-use building with access to retail, restaurants and apartments at Legacy West in Plano – home to several national and global corporations.